My work explores the dynamics of still life; somewhere between the figurative and abstraction.

I am striving for simplification, by reducing a composition to its essential characteristics.

My painting style has been pared down and simplified over the years.

The planning of colour masses is a vital key in my work, as colour can arouse the deepest thoughts and emotion.

For me a still life painting is a living thing.

Each work is reworked many times, objects rearranged, for me the negative spaces are as significant as the objects.

I love the play between the flat surface and the illusion of depth and solidity.

I don't feel restricted by my subject, Giorgio Morandi showed me how to paint and keep busy with just one theme.

I get hooked on an idea develop it and it will take me to other works.

I prepare my own gesso boards and canvases manipulating the surface this forms a very strong part of the final work. Over the years I have experimented with different media but now prefer to work in acrylics.

I am a modernist at heart.

CV

Born in Etruria, Staffordshire, Ray left school at the age of 15 and began his life as an Artist and Designer in the ceramic industry, culminating as Art Director of Minton. As an artist he has worked with some of the most prestigious archives and brands around the world, including The Wedgwood Group, Royal Doulton, Ralph Lauren, Hankyu Tokyo, Liberty's of London, County Life Magazine, and The National Trust for Scotland.